Sienna Simmons Final Paper 12/15/21 Scandinavian Design: An Age of Modernity Based on Function, Aesthetics, and Organic Form Introduction Scandinavian Modern Design is a period of modernity where there is a new focus on people and their wellbeing in relation to the design of environments and furniture. To evaluate this impact, this essay will explore these questions; How do new materials, organic form, and a focus on function–redefine modernity in the Scandinavian Modern period? And how do these key design elements lead to the creation of new spaces that reflect the social beliefs of the time? The findings of this paper will be represented in the creation of a period room specifically designed to emulate the Scandinavian Modern era. History & Development of Design Concepts Scandinavian design originated in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway in the 20th century. Generally, the style is simple, functional, incorporates a concern for the individual, and prioritizes using natural materials. It also draws elements from Bauhaus and International Style modernism. More significantly, designers from the period believed that architecture and design are not just about aesthetics, but must also consider economical housing and functionality for all citizens. Hence, making design accessible to all was important. This belief led to the development of design pieces being modest, adaptable, and constructed using simple methods.1 This new focus on human-centered design through ergonomics and function, resulted from a period where the government focused on the well-being of the public. For example, in 1910, Sweden was in the lead for public housing by improving housing standards and guidelines. Additionally, Sweden, along with many other neighboring Scandinavian countries, were Social Welfare States.2 Meaning, the government prioritized the social and economic wellbeing of their citizens through programs such as providing health care for all. It is also important to note that industrialization had a more of a gradual impact compared to in Europe, and Scandinavian countries were agrarian societies until the end of the 19th century. Because of this, countries were able to maintain folk culture and traditional craft.3 This focus on tradition resulted in the use of natural materials for design construction, instead of solely focusing on new materials brought on by the Industrial Revolution. In addition, as Scandinavia was less industria-centric, it can be argued that this led to more of an emphasis placed on the beauty of nature. This appreciation is reflected in the organic and curvilinear forms used in Scandinavian Modern design. Scandinavian architecture also incorporated the
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Buie Harwood,“Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern,” in Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present (Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016). 2 IBID 3 IBID
use of glass curtain walls and large windows, to strengthen the connection between the interior and exterior. Even though Scandinavian Modern was created in a period less focused on the mechanization of the Industrial revolution, it still was impacted by it. For example, designers preferred the warmth and humanness of wood to steel, so they used techniques such as prefabrication, laminated wood, and new materials such as plywood."4 Additionally, one of the social concepts of the time was making quality design accessible to all, and mass-production was important to make furniture pieces affordable. Overall, Scandinavian Modern architecture redefines modernity, as it is a shift away from the traditional modern styles based on mechanization that developed post Industrial Revolution. This is reflected in furniture and interiors that are developed to prioritize function along with aesthetics through curvilinear form. Additionally, the appreciation for nature is strongly emphasized through the use of curves, natural materials, organic motifs, and large windows that connect users to the outdoors. Application: Historical Examples A prominent example of Scandinavian Design is the house Villa Mairea located in Finland (see Figure 1). It was built 1937-1938, by Scandinavian designer and architect, Alvar Aalto. Villa Mairea directly correlates to Scandinavian design concepts, as its simplicity in form with the use of natural materials and curved edges blends into the environment; this relates to the style's goal of connecting to its surroundings. Additionally, the wooden slats echo the verticality of the birch trees surrounding the structure. This verticality of linear lines is repeated in the interior surrounding the staircase. This brings the outside in, strengthening the connection to natural beauty. In addition, the interior (see Figure 2) incorporates the use of natural materials Figure 1: Villa Mairea and colors. Large glass windows allow light to penetrate into the space as well. The simplicity of the space makes it functional, which is another main focus of Scandinavian Modern design. Alvar Aalto as a designer strongly connected to the human-centered approach of Scandinavian Design. Aalto approached the design of a dwelling and home from a “mental and experiential point of view rather than from the aspect of utility or an aestheticized architectural formalism.”5 This statement reveals how Aalto prioritized the users who would occupy the n Figure 2: Villa Mairea, Interior space with a focus on functionality. Although Villa 4
Buie Harwood,“Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern,” in Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present (Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016). 5 Charlotte Fiell, Magnus Englund, and Peter Fiell, Modern Scandinavian Design (London: Laurence King Publishing, 2017).
Mairea was a privately commissioned villa, Aalto also had an impact on designing furniture for the public. His Paimio armchair (see Figure 3), originally designed for a sanatorium, is another great human-centered example where ergonomics was considered. The curved back fits the human form through support. Additionally, the curvilinear lines reflect Aalto’s inspiration and appreciation for nature. It's simple construction method along with the use of wood relates to the practicality of construction to make it available to many. Textiles were also an important concept of the period. Specifically because this style emerged in Scandinavia, which has long and dark winters. Incorporating these brighter textiles along with the warm tones of natural Figure 3: Paimio Chair wood, warm the interior. Marimekko and textiles designed by Isola Maija, a Scandinavian Textile designer, are popular examples from the period. Specifically, the textile “Melooni” (see Figure 4), designed in 1963, features Scandinavian Modern design Principles. It consists of a large, laid-back pattern of stylized natural forms and warm bright colors6. These textiles paired with the functional and natural form of architecture, created lively interiors where Figure 4: Textile “Melooni” people were at the center. Alvar Aalto’s work was the main design driver and inspiration for the development of the Scandinavian Modern period room, as his work echoes the core design concepts of Scandinavian Modern. Additionally, Scandinavian Modern textiles were used to further connect to the period by creating a warm and delightful interior. Development of a Period Room
Figure 5: View of Period Room (Custom Coffee table and Paimio Chair) 6
Isola Maija, “Melooni Fabric 1963,” Marimekko, accessed December 13, 2021, https://www.marimekko.com/us_en/maripedia/patterns/melooni.
Function Through Furniture: The period room I designed is of a traditional living room and dining area. The combination between living and dining was done because Scandinavian Modern spaces tended to be more flexible due to the emphasis placed on functionality. In addition, living and dining spaces provide the perfect opportunity to emulate the key concepts of Scandinavian Modern design as they are presumed to have a warm and comforting interior that prioritizes the user. Furthermore, living spaces are where families spend a lot of time, providing the perfect opportunity for Scandinavian Modern values to be implemented. To begin, placing functionality at the center of the period room design was essential. To do this, original chairs from the period were used as they prioritize function. As discussed earlier, Alvar Aalto’s Paimio chair is simple yet functional. The use of this chair within the space also creates a warm and inviting interior with its curvilinear form and wood armrests. It’s curves invite the user to sit within its embrace. The Paimio chairs were placed along with a custom coffee table. The coffee table (see Figure 5) was inspired by the form of Alvar Aalto’s glassware. Specifically, the curvilinear form of the Savoy vase Figure 6: Savoy Vase, Aalto (see Figure 6). Some argue that the fluid lines of the vase were inspired by Finland’s lake-rich landscape, echoing the importance of nature in Scandinavian Modern design.7 The dining space of the period room incorporates a chair similar to the infamous “Ant Chair”, designed in 1952 by Arne jacobsen (see Figure 7). The “Ant Chair” incorporates tubular steel legs and plywood, both materials developed during the Industrial revolution and popularized during the Scandinavian Modern period.8To reiterate, industrialization relates to the Scandinavian Modern concept of designing for the masses by making furniture more affordable, and hence more accessible to all. Additionally, it's simple and functional form provides kjjjjjjjjjjjjjjFigure 7: “Ant Chair” an efficient yet comfortable way to dine. The chairs are also lightweight and stackable, making them easy to move around as flexibility is key when considering function. These chairs are paired with a functional table inspired by the simplicity of the chair as well as the materials. The period room also incorporates the “Egg Chair” designed 7
Duncan Riches, “Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala,” Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala - Journal - Article Magazine, accessed December 13, 2021, http://www.the-article-magazine.com/journal/alvar-aalto-savoy-vase-for-iittala. 8 Charlotte Fiell, Magnus Englund, and Peter Fiell, Modern Scandinavian Design (London: Laurence King Publishing, 2017).
in 1956-1957. Like the Paimio chair, many designs grow out of research focusing on anthropometrics and ergonomics. Because of this, chairs appeared more sculptural as they were made to fit the curves of the human body.9 The Egg chair, with its high back and curved physique, is another great example of a chair that does this. Overall, chairs and furniture pieces are the best way to incorporate function and comfort into a space, specifically when it comes to Scandinavian Modern Design where ergonomics were essential. Architecture + Design: Generally, Scandinavian Modern interiors are simple, prioritize function, lightness, natural light, and appreciation for natural materials and texture. Additionally, windows and higher ceilings are used to make smaller spaces feel more spacious.10 The period room strives to emulate these concepts through many design elements specific to the era. For example, the design incorporates a high wooden slat ceiling, inspired directly from the ceiling in Aalto’s Villa Mairea (see Figure 2). This element incorporates a warm wood tone, relating to natural materials as well as recreating the linear lines that echo the trees seen outside. To view this connection between interior elements and the exterior environment, large windows were used in spaces such as living and dining rooms. Therefore, the period incorporates curtain walls to blur the division between interior and exterior. Consequently, it is important to acknowledge that in addition to incorporating nature through curvilinear forms, windows played a significant role in this relationship. Because the connection to nature is such an important aspect of Scandinavian Modern design, the windows play a crucial role in defining the period room and emphasizing Scandinavian Modern values. Furthemore, windows like this further connected people within the space to the natural beauty of the exterior environment. Another way to achieve this unity between nature and the built environment, was by incorporating biophilic elements, such as potted plants, into the space. For that reason, plants are incorporated into the period room in simple pots such as the ones seen in Figure 8 from the era. To add on, more modern materials, such as new metals, played a significant role as this style occurred post industrial revolution. Copper was incorporated into the period room through the “Artichoke” light fixture (see Figure 9). As metal was Figure 8: Villa Mairea, Interior a common material used during the Scandinavian Modern period, copper was a great metal option that brought more warm/natural tones into the interior. Many living areas also had fireplaces such as the one found in Villa Mairea (see Figure 2). Hence, the period room 9
Buie Harwood,“Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern,” in Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present (Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016). 10
Buie Harwood, “Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern,” in Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present (Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016).
incorporates a fireplace inspired by traditional Scandinavian hearths. Additionally, it provides a nice focal point in a living space where the warmth and comfort of the user is a main concern of Scandinavian Modern design. The fireplace was also made using the traditional materials of stone and white stucco. Furthermore, The curved wall and edge of the fireplace also relates to the curvilinear exterior of Villa Maeria and its use of white stucco, which are both common elements used in Scandinavian Modern Design. Additionally, the flooring is concrete, a traditional flooring material from the period, and is paired with rugs that highlight the traditional textiles used at the time (see Figure 8). This was partly important due to the colder climate of Scandinavian countries, as they brought warmth to space. Area rugs such as these tended to be of geometric lines and neutrals, as seen in both the period room and the Figure 9: Artichoke Light historical image (see Figure 8) that was referenced. When discussing textiles, as mentioned earlier in the essay, Marimekko was a popular textile brand at the time, making it an essential addition to the period room. The Marimekko print “Melooni '' (see Figure 4) was used on pillowcases resting on another traditional couch in the living space of the period room. Lighting Light fixtures in Scandinavian Modern interiors were also an important feature and played a significant role in creating the period room. Fixtures were often made of metal, wood, and ceramic forms in order to harmonize with the rest of the interior.11 The hanging pendants incorporated within the interior of the period room are original historical pendant lights. The first picture is the “Octopus” light designed by Seppo Koho12, made from white painted wood (see Figure 10). The linear lines and curvilinear form reflects the other elements incorporated in the period room. Additionally, its slender lines create an inviting and airy form. The second light fixture used is the “Artichoke light” by Paul Henningsen in 1968 (see Figure 9).13 Its form also directly emulates the shape of an artichoke, Figure 10: Octo 4240 relating back to Scandinavian Deisgn’s emphasis on natural elements.
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Buie Harwood, “Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern,” in Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present (Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016). 12 Charlotte Fiell, Magnus Englund, and Peter Fiell, Modern Scandinavian Design (London: Laurence King Publishing, 2017). 13 IBID
Conclusion Overall the period room reflects an era of modernity where there is a new focus on people and their wellbeing in relation to the design of environments and furniture. The use of new materials such as metal and plywood, organic form, and a focus on function, redefine modernity in the Scandinavian Modern period. These elements reflect a period where social and political beliefs were centered around prioritizing all citizens. The design of the period room achieves this by using ergonomic furniture original to the period. Additionally, the use of natural materials historically used in Scandinavian Modern design connects users to nature while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. To add on, the use of original textiles helps create this sense of warmth, which was important in Scandinavian countries that experienced long and cold winters. Both the architecture and design of the living and dining space imitate the traditional Scandinavian Modern style specifically through the use of curves and natural materials. Stepping inside this living area will bring you back to the Scandinavian Modern period where wellbeing is supported through form, functionality, and natural materials.
Final Period Room Renderings:
Bibliography: Fiell, Charlotte, Magnus Englund, and Peter Fiell. Modern Scandinavian Design. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2017. “Gallery of AD Classics: Villa Mairea / Alvar Aalto - 2.” ArchDaily. Accessed December 16, 2021. https://www.archdaily.com/85390/ad-classics-villa-mairea-alvar-aalto/5037e75228ba0d599b00039dad-classics-villa-mairea-alvar-aalto-photo?next_project=no. Harwood, Buie, “Chapter 52: Scandinavian Modern.” Essay. In Architecture and Interior Design: An Integrated History to the Present. Vancouver, B.C.: Langara College, 2016. Jetsonen, Jari, and Jetsonen, Sirkkaliisa. Alvar Aalto Houses. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2011. Accessed December 12, 2021. ProQuest Ebook Central. Martin, Hannah. “The Story behind the Revolutionary Artichoke Light.” Architectural Digest. Architectural Digest, June 30, 2018. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-story-behind-the-revolutionary-artichoke-light. Riches, Duncan. “Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala.” Alvar Aalto Savoy Vase for Iittala - Journal Article Magazine. Accessed December 13, 2021. http://www.the-article-magazine.com/journal/alvar-aalto-savoy-vase-for-iittala. The Paimio Armchair: Design—Milestones of 20th-Century Industrial Design. Films On Demand. 2008. Accessed December 12, 2021. https://fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=240117&xtid=65371. “Villa Mairea - Alvar Aalto Foundation: Alvar Aalto -Säätiö.” Alvar Aalto Foundation | Alvar Aalto -säätiö, January 20, 2021. https://www.alvaraalto.fi/en/architecture/villa-mairea/.